Need some reassurance (long-ish)

[ZenMamaJen]

My DB has a 2 vessel cord, so we've been monitoring his growth during the pregnancy to make sure that it's not affecting him in any way. So far, so good!

The original perinatalogist at my 19 week U/S recommended more U/S every 4-6 weeks. After discussing it with my mw, and telling her I didn't want him to have that much exposure, we decided to just keep track by measuring fundal height. Then I scheduled one at 29 weeks; he looked great! Had another at 34 weeks, still looking great! I thought that would be it, but the dr said I "should" have one more before he is born. Which I don't understand, I thought I would be done! I discussed it with my MW at my appt today, because I don't really want to do it. She said it was totally up to me, that it's not like all of a sudden he's just going to stop growing and my appt is for 39 weeks (next Thurs), so it would be hard for them to read anything accurately anyway.

So, I'm leaning towards NOT doing it. But then I get scared that there's a reason he thinks I need another one that he didn't tell me, (he would have to tell me if there were, right?); that maybe I'm being "negligent" by not doing it. But I want to have faith that he is just fine and not be stressed for the next 2 weeks. (The U/S's really stress me out!) My MW said they just want my insurance $$.

I am 37, could that have something to so with it? Advanced Maternal Age, as it were.

What would you do? TIA

[Sprucen]

What is there really to be gained by doing another u/s this late in the game? That's my main question. Really, even at 34 weeks the measurements can be so off that they probably only unnecessarily stressed you out. I would find out from the doc why he thinks you need another u/s at 39(!!!) weeks. If it doesn't sound, well, sound, don't! What can they do at this point anyway? I'd say especially since it does nothing for your peace of mind, and everything measured just plain normal so far, go with your gut.

[Wittyone]

If your little one has been growing normally until now with regards to a 2 vessel cord, it's absolutely right that he won't just stop growing. Obviously fundal height + occasional U/S's have proven to be an effective monitoring system this far and there isn't any reason that should change now. It's possible (likely?) that the Dr's request is CYA since you declined the original plan of every 4-6 weeks, yk? Or maybe, as a perinatologist, he's just used to his clients getting lots of routine u/s's and doesn't take into account that someone might not want that. If he really pushes you can always ask what info he hopes to get out of another u/s and what he would do with that info.

You've probably done a lot of research already, but there are a couple of main reasons for 2 vessel cords. The ones that are associated with other problems (ie kidney issues) started out with only two vessels to begin with. This is why you would get monitoring throughout the pg - to be on the lookout for the associated problems. The other type of two vessel cord started out with 3 vessels and two of them fuse at some point in time so it appears that there are only 2. These aren't really a big deal, nor are they associated with the potential for other developmental things. Since you can't tell the difference bet'n the two types prenatally it's good to keep an eye on things...as you have done! Since all has looked good thus far, I would personally advocate for which ever option is the least stressful for you at this time (sounds like no u/s but that's ultimately up to you)

and good luck as you decide!

[Titus2fam]

I have no knowledge to share, but I did wanna just give ya this: (((((jenais10))))) All these little things (not that this is little!) can really make us anxious, can't they? ~sandi

[FreeSpiritMama]

I think your MW is probably right, also your Dr is most likely used to women having many u/s and hasn't come accross women who don't want them unless absolutely necessary.

Trust your body and your baby and make the decision that is best and least stressful for you s

[ZenMamaJen]

Thanks for the responses, I really appreciate it. I think I've almost convinced myself to cancel the U/S. That's not too indecisive, is it?

Originally Posted by Wittyone

. The other type of two vessel cord started out with 3 vessels and two of them fuse at some point in time so it appears that there are only 2. These aren't really a big deal, nor are they associated with the potential for other developmental things.

I didn't know that! Thanks for sharing that info, it's nice to know that that is a possibility.